The Word of God through the Voiceless

Homily for the 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas

Yesterday I spoke of how the evangelist John used metaphors to distinguish between believers and unbelievers. Today, we have examples of another figure of speech, irony, that both the evangelists John and Luke used in their writing.

We are almost at the end of the year – the year 2020 A.D. Isn’t it ironic that when we say someone has 20/20 vision, we mean that they have perfect vision? I don’t think anyone will say that this past year has been perfect. However, the Gospel tells us of a person today who seems to have perfect vision – the prophetess Anna. Upon meeting the child who rests in the arms of Joseph and Mary, she begins to praise God and to speak of the child who would save Jerusalem.

The Hebrew word for “widow” means “the voiceless one.” St. Luke accentuates this fact by not recording any words she may have said in this chance encounter. She is also called a “prophetess,” which means that she carried with her the Word of God. Though she herself is voiceless in Hebrew society, God’s word speaks through her. This holy woman was prepared for and greatly anticipating the arrival of the Messiah. Upon meeting the infant Jesus, we are told that she gives thanks to God and announces his arrival to all those around her. The voiceless one proclaims God’s word – supreme irony.

Christ is born. Our Messiah has come for each and every one of us, to bring the light of redemption to our lives. Human words are not nearly as effective as God’s Word which is proclaimed at every Eucharist. May the eyes of faith help us to see with perfect 20/20 vision the Word made flesh so that we can proclaim the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus, to all whom we meet.

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator